Finally, data is presently emerging on the use of wetlands as treatment areas for 

 wastewater, stormwater, and non-point discharges.^ Rorida, for instance, has adopted 

 a rule on wastewater releases into wetlands.^ Florida prohibits wastewater discharges 

 into the following kinds of wetlands: those designated as outstanding waters of the 

 State; wetlands within potable water supplies; shellfish propagation or harvesting waters; 

 wetlands in areas of critical State concern; wetlands where herbaceous ground cover 

 constitutes more than thirty percent of the uppermost stratum (unless sevens-five 

 percent is cattafl); and others. Wastewater discharges are permitted in certain wetlands 

 dominated by woocfy vegetation, certain l^drologically altered wetlands, and artificially 

 created wetlands; however, the State applies special effluent limitations to take account 

 of a wetland's ability to assimilate nitrogen and phosphorus. It also applies qualitative^ 

 and quantitative^ design criteria. 



The rule establishes four "wetland biological quality" standards. Hrst, the flora 

 and fauna of the wetland cannot be changed so as to impair the wetland's ability to 

 function in the propagation and maintenance of fish and wildlife populations or 

 substantially reduce its effectiveness in wastewater treatment Second, the Shannon- 

 Weaver diversity index of benthic macroinvertebrates cannot be reduced below fifty 

 percent of background levels. Third, fish populations must be monitored and 

 maintained, and an annual survey of each species must be conducted. Fourth, the 

 "importance value" of any dominant plant species in the canopy and snbcanopy at any • 

 monitoring station cannot be reduced by more than fifty percent, and the average 

 "importance value" of aity dominant plant species cannot be reduced by more than 

 twenty-five percent** 



These types of efforts, constantly being adjusted to take account of new 

 information in a field where knowledge is rapidly expanding, are fertile sources of 

 information for wetland standard writers and 401 certification drmion makers. 



Vm. SUMMARY OF ACnONS NEEDED 



This handbook has onfy scratched the surface of issues surrounding effective use 

 of 401 certification to protect wetlands. The preceding discussion and examples from 

 active States have highlighted possible approaches for all States to incorporate into their 

 401 certification programs. The handbook shows that there are many things that a 

 State can act on right away to improve the effectiveness of 401 certification to protect 

 the integrity of its wetlands. At the same time, there are improvemoits to water quality 

 standards for wetlands which will have to take place within a longer timeframe. 



37 



